Defence Tech Hub seizing the dual-use business momentum in Espoo, Finland

Defence Tech Hub has quickly seized the defence tech business momentum in the Nordics by creating a dynamic network of dual-use companies in Espoo, Finland. More than 50 companies have joined Defence Tech Hub since its launch in early 2025. The companies include Finland's leading deep tech startups, such as ICEYE, IQM, Kuva Space, Varjo, Elfys, ReLoc, Tespack, and Savox.

"The biggest benefit is this network. Our members vary from VTT's R2B projects to unicorns like quantum computer manufacturer IQM and soonicorns like satellite company ICEYE," says Ossi Ritvos, Enter Espoo's Senior Business Advisor in charge of the defence sector.

Defence Tech Hub is the densest concentration of defence deep technologies and companies in Finland, with Espoo, Finland's second-largest city, emerging as the go-to dual-use business ecosystem in the Nordic countries.

Next steps: what's happening in the near future in Defence Tech Hub?

The rapid development of Defence Tech Hub has stamped Espoo's status as the epicentre of Finnish defence deep tech. Now, the focus is to connect Defence Tech Hub more with foreign venture capital companies and defence and tech corporations.

We aim to bring more international players to Espoo and increase investments in and cooperation with our defence tech ecosystem.

We're at Web Summit 2025 (booth E225) on 10-13 November to connect investors, corporations and startups with the opportunities in Defence Tech Hub.
We'll organise a defence track in Knights of Nordics, our biggest event of the year.
We're also strengthening our cooperation with Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE) in Riihimäki, which provides an ecosystem for testing and developing new technologies in collaboration with the Finnish Military.

Meet Defence Tech Hub at Web Summit

Offering for international investors and companies?

Defence Tech Hub offers access to the whole defence tech ecosystem in Espoo, Finland, and beyond. Instead of visiting only a handful of companies, Enter Espoo helps investors and corporations find precisely what they are looking for from the entire ecosystem: startups, corporations, academia, and ecosystem players such as accelerators and student communities.

Access the whole defence tech and dual-use ecosystem in Espoo and Finland.
Connect with Finland's leading deep tech startups, including ICEYE, IQM, Kuva Space, Varjo, Elfys, ReLoc, Tespack, Savox, and more.
Collaborate with leading research and innovation organisations, including VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE).

"Most investors know our star companies, but we can offer access to the defence tech ecosystem. For example, early-stage investors may be interested in knowing companies when they're still R2B projects. So, whether you're looking for something specific or want a comprehensive overview of the ecosystem, we can support you," Ritvos says.

Offering for startups?

For companies developing dual-use technologies, Defence Tech Hub offers an open community where you can network and learn from peers who are already selling to the defence industry. You'll also receive updates from key players, including NATO DIANA and investors, as well as access to defence primes, foreign finance, partners, and clients. As a Defence Tech Hub partner, you'll also get visibility, connections to international defence hubs, and the possibility of joining EU-funded projects.

With Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE) and Sisu Factory, we're organising a Web Summit 2025 side event *from SISU to DEFINE* at the Finnish Ambassador's residence on 13 November. At the defence and dual-use cocktail reception, companies can discuss, for example, getting tailored services for expanding to Finland.